BSc Artificial Intelligence
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Artificial Intelligence, a Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) degree focused on the construction and study of artificial systems displaying intelligent behaviour. Core topics include Programming, Computer Architecture, Data Analysis, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The programme spans four years and requires no prior computer science or programming experience. The first year covers the foundations through computer programming and how information can be represented and processed in computer systems. The second year develops software development alongside foundations of data science, algorithms and data structures, and the professional, social and ethical context of computing. The third year moves into advanced study with modules including robotics, machine learning, automated reasoning, and computer processing of language. Students also undertake practical work, independent problem solving, and group work.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: from A*A*A* to AAB in one set of exams (required: Mathematics at A) IB: from 43 points with 777 at HL to 34 points with 665 at HL
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 14%: 7 offers from 50 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 35 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 86%
- Learning opportunities: 78%
- Assessment and feedback: 70%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 85%
- Learning resources: 86%
- Student voice: 69%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 65%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Customer service occupations: 5%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 40 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 10%
- South East: 5%
- Scotland: 75%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.
- Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Modules
- how information can be represented and processed in computer systems
- computer programming
- how to solve problems using computer programs
- an introduction to critical skills and professional practices which will inform your career, including ethics, critical thinking and communication skills
- software development
- decision making
- foundations of data science
- algorithms and data structures
- the professional, social and ethical context of computing
- practical work
- independent problem solving
- group work
- robotics
- computer processing of language
- machine learning
- automated reasoning
- algorithms
- computer security
- computer systems and networks
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Artificial Intelligence at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £35,000 after 15 months, £33,500 after 3 years, £47,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £37,000 and £67,000. The £47,000 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for Artificial intelligence.
What do graduates of BSc Artificial Intelligence at University of Edinburgh do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Artificial Intelligence at University of Edinburgh?
86% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Artificial Intelligence at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 43 points in the IB. The average entrant had 179 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Artificial Intelligence at University of Edinburgh?
14% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 7 offers from 50 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is BSc Artificial Intelligence at University of Edinburgh accredited?
Yes. Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer. Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Does BSc Artificial Intelligence at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Artificial Intelligence at University of Edinburgh?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.